How to Clean Batting Gloves

Batting gloves provide better grip, provide protection from bat vibration, blisters and help to keep the hands warm. Most batting gloves on sale today are made from a combination of leather palm and synthetic materials.

Over time, dirt and sweat accumulate on your batting gloves with use and you will eventually need to clean them sooner rather than later.

Dirt can take away from their lifespan and make them stink. That’s why ensuring you clean your batting glove is so important.
Here are some steps to take to ensure that your batting glove stays in tip-top shape.

NOTE: All of the cleaning agents mentioned here are safe to use with your batting gloves. Additionally, please be gentle while performing the steps below to ensure you don’t damage your glove. To give your batting glove the care it deserves, clean it regularly.

After a game, take your batting gloves off and hit them against each other before putting them back in your bag. This should get rid of any loose dirt.

Once you are settled back home, now the job of cleaning your batting glove can begin.

Step 1

Use a dry leather cleaning brush and brush any dust off them ever so gently. Keyword: gently. Brushing too hard may damage the surface layer of the leather make it weak.

Step 2

If your gloves are dirty on the inside, turn them inside out. Mix just a few drops of dishwasher soap (such as dawn) into a small container and mix it with water to make a solution.

Use a soft cloth to gently rub a small amount of this solution all over your batting glove to remove any dirt.

Use a soft dry rag to soak up moisture on the glove. Again, do not overdo it with the leather cleaner/soap & water combo. There shouldn’t be much to dry up.

After you’re done, turn the gloves inside out and start cleaning the outside. Here, put a few drops of the soap & water solution you made above on to a soft cloth. Alternatively, you can use a leather cleaner such as Horseman One Step for this task.

Rub the soap and water solution into the glove until a lather builds. Pay special attention to the dirty bits.

Step 3

Afterwards, wipe the gloves clean and repeat if need be until the glove is fully clean. Be careful not to saturate the leather of your glove with water. Then dry it thoroughly at room temperature for about a week.

Note: Once the gunk accumulates, the velcro on the straps of your batting glove will become less effective over time. Because of this, it is very important to keep them clean at all times. Additionally, stick the velcro straps together when storing your glove.

Here are the best leather cleaner options to use on your batting glove

Horseman One Step – Although this isn’t specifically made for batting gloves, it works well with leather and will keep the leather on your glove from cracking.

For the final step, hang the gloves in a dry area, away from direct sunlight. Once the glove is fully dry, apply a small amount of one of the leather cleaners we’ve listed above to your glove. That’s it!

Following these steps will ensure batting glove serves you for a long time to come.

Routine Maintenance

Instead of waiting until the end of the season or when they’re completely filthy, make it a habit to clean your batting gloves regularly. This will ensure your glove is in good shape and lasts a long time
After a game or after practice, clap your batting gloves together to remove any loose dirt before putting them back in your bag.
Afterwards, use dishwasher soap, lukewarm water, and a cloth and gently wipe them clean. Dry any excess water/soap/moisture with a clean, dry cloth then finally, hang them out to dry.
NOTE: Never submerge your gloves in water

Machine Washing and Drying

However tempting, never use a washing machine to clean your batting glove. Most batting gloves on the market today are made from leather & synthetic fabric.

Because they contain leather in the palm for added grip, using a washing machine or a dryer will ruin them.

However, some manufacturers do make batting gloves fully out of synthetic materials. These gloves offer performance on par with those that contain leather, and you can clean them in a washing machine.

Always check the label to see what material batting gloves are made of before you decide how you’re going to clean your batting gloves.